Top 31 Horror films of the past 31 years

It’s a tradition each year on the week of Halloween for us to develop our list of the top 31 horror films of the past 31 years. We decide on not looking past 31 years to eliminate what would typically fall on any respectable “best horror movies of all time list“. So you will not see the usual Exorcist, The Shining, Frankenstein or any of the other classics that always appear on this list. Instead we have the chance to expose some newer films and lesser known. I hope you all find at least one movie on the list that you have not yet seen and seek it out.

One of the best werewolf films that everyone forgets is “The Wolfen”. It came out the same year as “The Howling” and “American Werewolf” but I feel it’s the superior entry. There’s a weird mood to it that’s hard to pinpoint, then again that might be because it’s a Whitley Strieber novel adapted by the guy who directed the Woodstock concert film. That combination of creative talent is bound to make anything feel weird.

Speaking of Strieber, the adaptation of his non-fiction alien abduction novel “Communion” starring Christopher Walken ranks high on my list of films to watch alone late at night in a dark room. A lot of people think is silly and that the effects suck, but for some reason it’s always scared the hell out of me. The bad effects actually adding to the surreal mood instead of detracting from it.

Every time I do a top 1o list I find myself with regrets soon after. Top 10 lists are always tricky but what I love about them is they generate feedback. Everyone loves to throw in their two cents. I am not sure how I missed American Werewolf in London. Maybe for some reason I thought it was released after the 25 year mark. Oh well.

Good list but somewhat off. You’re missing An American Werewolf in London(much better than the Howling), Ginger Snaps, Frailty and of course, Near Dark. No way is Bram Stoker’s Dracula(92) better than Near Dark or even Fright Night. You included May and Session 9 which is remarkable considering how often people neglect to mention them. Just for that you make my cool list.

If you wanted to put a Dante film on there, because he is the man, Gremlins could qualify.